Computer keyboard enclosure with work surface

ABSTRACT

A unit of furniture, useful as a computer workstation such as a desk, cabinet, or armoire, includes a pullout unit that extends from the unit of furniture. The pullout unit includes a tray for supporting a computer keyboard and mouse. The tray may be covered by a movable lid that provides a first writing surface over the tray when covering the tray and a second writing surface when moved to a position for supporting copy referenced while using the keyboard. The pullout unit may also include an extension unit mounted adjacent to the tray and extendable to provide additional writing surface. The extension unit may include a drawer that extends toward the tray. The pullout unit may include a lid stop to cooperate with the unit of furniture to maintain the pullout unit in a stable extended position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In general, furniture units such as desks, cabinets and armoireswith provisions for holding computer equipment are known. An example ofa desk including provisions for holding a computer is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,741,053 issued to Andreas Krestian Nielsen on Apr. 21, 1998.However, known units typically provide only limited writing surfacesand/or manifest an inconveniently large footprint. To add writingsurface, some known armoires provide a flip-down writing table. However,such flip-down tables tend to prevent ready access to drawers and otherstorage; and, may present a danger of physical injury. Further, suchtables are unsuitable for providing storage for loose accessoriesbecause they are regularly tilted through a 90 degree arc.

[0002] Accordingly, there is a need for an armoire that provides acompact yet convenient work environment for a computer user, disposescomputer equipment in a position for convenient use, and providesstorage spaces and writing surfaces conveniently arranged within theimmediate work area of the user. There is also a need for a compact(small footprint) computer armoire that provides an adequate writingsurface even when a computer keyboard is being used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the of the present invention,provision is made in a compact (small footprint) unit of furniture for awriting surface while a keyboard is in use; a retractable workstationpullout unit with a compartment for a keyboard and mouse; and anadditional portion adjacent to the compartment providing a first writingsurface. A hinged lid overlies the compartment, adapted to be arrangedin either lowered or raised positions as desired. When in the loweredposition, the lid provides a second writing surface substantiallyco-planar with the first writing surface. While in the raised position,the lid provides a supporting surface for papers that an operator maywish to view while using the keyboard, and additionally stabilizes thepullout unit position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawing, wherein like designations denote likeelements, and:

[0005]FIG. 1 is a front exterior view of a computer armoire according tovarious aspects of the present invention;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a front view of the interior of the computer armoire ofFIG. 1;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a back view of the exterior of the computer armoire ofFIG. 1;

[0008]FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of the computer armoire ofFIG. 1;

[0009]FIG. 5 is a top view of a workstation pullout unit having a lidand an extension unit, according to various aspects of the presentinvention, wherein the lid is in a lowered position;

[0010]FIG. 6 is a top view of the workstation pullout unit of FIG. 5wherein the lid is in a raised position and the extension unit is in anextended position;

[0011]FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of the workstation pulloutunit of FIG. 5;

[0012]FIG. 8 is a side view of the computer armoire of FIG. 1illustrating an advantageous viewing angle; and

[0013]FIG. 9 is a side view of the computer armoire and workstationpullout unit of FIG. 1 illustrating a catch mount for securing theworkstation pullout unit.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention provides for a compact (small footprint)yet convenient work environment for a computer user. For example,referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, a unit of furniture (e.g., desk,cabinet, armoire, etc.) incorporating the present invention suitablyincludes a base (lower section) 120 having a generally horizontal toppiece 125, a pullout unit 260 slideably mounted in base 120 beneath toppiece 125, and a catch bar (lid stop) 760 suitably disposed on the uppersurface of top piece 125. If desired, an upper section 110 may also beemployed, suitably separable from lower section 120 for convenience oftransportation. Upper section 110 rests on the upper surface of toppiece 125 of lower section 120, and may include a horizontal bottompiece 210 generally co-extensive (albeit, slightly smaller) andoverlying lower section top piece 125. If an upper section 110 isemployed having a bottom piece 210, lid stop 760 is suitably affixed tothe upper surface of bottom piece 210. For the sake of simplicity, toppiece 125 and overlying bottom piece 210, if utilized, will be referredto synonymously, as unit member 210. As illustrated in FIG. 1, one orboth of upper and lower sections 110 and 120 may also include doors(112, 113, 121 and 122).

[0015] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4 through 7, pullout unit260 suitably comprises: a tray 432, a lid 430 overlying tray 432, aworking surface 450 disposed laterally adjacent to tray 432, and anextension unit 452. A tray (compartment) includes any structure forsupporting a computer input device or devices, such as a keyboard and/ormouse. Tray 432 suitably includes side walls 434 and back wall 436, andis configured to accommodate a variety of computer input and ancillarydevices, such as a keyboard 406 and a mouse 408, along with a wrist rest410 and a mouse pad 412.

[0016] Working surface 450 is flat, suitable for writing or other suchwork, and is generally rectangular with a cut out portion of aconfiguration generally corresponding to, and disposed over, tray 432.The vertical position of pullout 260 and the height of working surface450 above the mounting of pullout 260 are such that working surface 450is positioned at an ergonomic writing height, i.e., a height within aconventionally accepted range of heights at which paper may be placedfor writing with minimal stress on the human body.

[0017] Preferably, tray 432 is positioned about three inches below worksurface 450, under the cut out portion. In such a position, tray 432supports a computer keyboard having a thickness of about 1 inch at anergonomic typing height, i.e., a height within a conventionally acceptedrange of heights at which a computer keyboard may be operated withminimal stress on the human body. An ergonomic typing height isgenerally lower than a corresponding ergonomic writing height.

[0018] Lid 430 generally conforms in configuration to the cut outportion of working surface 450, covers tray 432, and provides anadditional writing surface in a lowered position. Conversely, when in araised position, lid 430 serves the dual purpose of providing a surfacein a desirable position for supporting papers, and, in cooperation withlid stop 760, stabilizing pullout unit 260. With specific reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, lid 430 suitably includes an exterior surface 502, aninterior surface 604, a top rail 603, and a bottom rail 602. As bestseen in FIG. 4, lid 430 is mounted by hinges 437 to working surface backtransverse wall 436, above tray 432. Lid 430 is movable between either alowered position or a raised position, as desired. When arranged in alowered position, as in FIG. 5, lid 430 covers tray 432 and providesexterior surface 502 as a work surface. In such a position, work surface450 combines with lid exterior surface 502 to provide a smooth,contiguous surface for writing or other work. Preferably, lid exteriorsurface 502 fits closely adjacent work surface 450 when lid 432 is in alowered position such that surfaces 502 and 450 are substantiallyco-planar. When arranged in a raised position, as in FIG. 6, lid 430exposes tray 432 and provides interior surface 604 as a copy holder.When functioning as a copy holder, interior surface 604 provides asmooth, convenient place to prop up and annotate written materials.Bottom rail 602 provides a base support for such materials.

[0019] Lid exterior surface 502, becomes unavailable as a work surfacewhen lid 432 is in a raised position. However, work surface 450 providesa surface for writing or other such work in any configuration of lid432. To provide additional surface area for writing or other such work,extension unit 452 may be extended from workstation pullout unit 260.

[0020] An extension unit of the present invention includes any structurethat may be extended from a workstation pullout unit to provide anadditional writing surface and may provide covered storage space. Forexample, extension unit 452 provides additional work surface and mayprovide storage when extended from workstation pullout 260. Extensionunit 452 suitably includes work surface 454, and drawer 610. Extensionunit 452 primarily has two positions: a stowed position fully within theinterior space of workstation pullout unit 260, and an extended positionwherein unit 452 is fully extended from the interior space ofworkstation pullout unit 260.

[0021] Support for workstation 260 and its integral elements may beprovided in any manner that assures stable surfaces for equipmentsupport and writing surfaces during operation. Any conventionalmechanical support apparatus may be used, including drawer slides,hinges, cantilevered arms, and/or scissor-type hinges. In thearrangement of FIG. 7 work station pullout 260 is supported on a pair ofdrawer slides. The rail portions of these drawer slides 724 are mountedto the interior of lower section 120. The slide portions 722 of thesedrawer slides are mounted to respective sides of workstation pulloutunit 260. These drawer slides may have a locking mechanism for lockingworkstation pullout unit in its extended position. The inconvenience ofoperating drawer slide locking mechanisms is avoided when lockingmechanisms are omitted from drawer slides and workstation pullout unit260 is held in its extended position by the cooperation of lid 430 andlid stop 760.

[0022] Extension unit 452 is supported on a conventional drawer glidewhich includes rail 726 mounted to the interior of workstation pulloutunit 260 and glide 728 mounted to the underside of extension unit 452.Two sets of drawer glides may be used for improved stability andimproved weight capacity for drawer 610.

[0023] Drawer 610 includes a sectioned interior formed in anyconventional manner. For example drawer 610 may include recesses 612milled from or formed in a solid piece of material, or a conventionallymanufactured drawer with a plastic injection molded tray removablyinserted therein. Drawer 610 is supported in extension unit 452 bydrawer slides. For example rails 620 are fastened to the interior ofextension unit 452 and slides 622 are fastened to drawer 610.

[0024] A lid stop, according to various aspects of the presentinvention, supports a lid and applies a compression force to the lid.For example, lid 430 rests on lid stop 760. Lid stop 760 may apply aforce through lid 430 to urge workstation pullout 260 to remain in itsextended position. The cooperation of lid 430 and lid stop 760 may bebetter understood with reference to the example of FIG. 9 and detailFIG. 9A. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 9, lid stop 760 includes base764 and catch mount 762. Lid stop 760 may be manufactured of anymaterial suitable for maintaining rigidity under continuous compression.For example, lid stop 760 may be formed of wood, metal or resilientplastic.

[0025] Base 764 provides a spacer for locating catch mount 762 at anappropriate height. When the height of catch mount 762 may bepredetermined, catch mount 762 may be formed integrally with base 764 asone piece.

[0026] Catch mount 762 provides support for 3 conventional bulletcatches 744 located to oppose 3 corresponding detent plates 742. Eachbullet catch includes a spring that forces a bullet-shaped bolt againstan opposing recess or detent. Detent plates 742 may be mounted in lid430. When detents are formed in lid 430, detent plates 742 may beomitted. Detent plates may also be omitted when lid 430 is formed with achannel extending across the top edge of lid 430 to receive bulletcatches 744 at any position along the channel. Catch mount 762 includesbullet catches 744 and a resting surface 902. Surface 902 supports lid430 at an angle appropriate for use of lid 430 as a copy holder orwriting surface. Surface 902 is flat and may include a resilient cushionin order to provide a stable surface across the horizontal extent of lid430. Top rail 603 provides additional rigidity to the upper portion oflid 430. Additional rigidity of the top portion of lid 430, especiallyacross that portion of lid 430 that comes in contact with restingsurface 902, may improve the stability of lid 430 as a copy holder, as awriting surface, and as a mechanical member for retaining workstationpullout unit 260 in its extended position.

[0027] Lid 430 operates as an effective copy holder for copy 490. Bylocating copy 490 directly below the display portion of monitor 404, asshown in FIG. 8, a user of computer armoire 100 may alternate betweenviewing monitor 404 and viewing copy 490 with minimal effort. Forexample, when a user's head is at an elevation as illustrated in FIG. 8,alternately viewing monitor 404 and copy 490 may be accomplished withinviewing angle VA. Viewing angle VA is preferably an ergonomic viewingangle. An ergonomic viewing angle is an angle within a conventionalrange through which a line of sight may pass without movement of thehead. By avoiding movement of the head, stress on the human body isminimal.

[0028] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 4, base section 120may suitably include, (in addition to workstation pullout unit 260):various storage facilities such as drawers 230, 232, and 236; lateralfile drawer 234, media drawers 254; a power center 240; and interiorspace 250 with respective removable/adjustable shelves therein. Drawers230, 232, and 236 provide covered storage space, for example, suitablefor computer supplies and office tools. In addition, the contents ofdrawers in lower section 120 may be more conveniently viewed by theuser. Lateral file drawer 234 is placed near the bottom of lower section120 for convenient access to file contents and for lowering the centerof gravity of armoire 100. Lower section 120 may include only structurefor supporting workstation pullout 260, in which case, storage spaces asdiscussed above are omitted.

[0029] Interior space 250 accommodates the main unit of the computersystem in either a desktop or tower orientation. Media drawers 254 andshelving 252 occupy space 250 in an arrangement of the type described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,741,053 issued Apr. 21, 1998 to Nielsen, incorporatedherein by reference.

[0030] Power center 240 provides a central distribution point for powerto the computer system components. Power center 240 may provide powerfor accessory equipment such as a desk lamp.

[0031] The arrangement of FIG. 4 provides a convenient work environmentfor computer system components with workstation pullout 260 in itsoperating position. Computer system components may include main unit402, monitor 404, and suitable input devices. Such input devices mayinclude, for example, keyboard 406 and mouse 408.

[0032] Lower section 120 may include a media drawer 254. Media drawer254 extends from computer armoire 100 to provide vertical access tocomputer media stored within the drawer. Media drawer 254 may include adivided interior 440 conventionally formed by one or more independent orcooperating dividers 441 and 442. Each separator may be positioned inone or more fixed pre-determined positions or may be located using forexample conventional hook and loop fasteners at a variable andreconfigurable position within drawer 254. A divider may be supported byan interior surface of drawer 254 and/or a portion of another divider.Dividers 441 and 442 and/or drawer sides 443 may extend vertically to aheight much less than the height “h” drawer face 444 and media to alloweasy grasping of media. When used with media having a height in therange of 3 to 6 inches, drawer sides and dividers may have a height ofabout 2.5 inches.

[0033] Top rail 603 of lid 430 supports copy 490 in part at a distancefrom surface 604. Space 810 permits convenient grasping of copy 490 andavoids electrostatic adhesion of copy 490 to surface 604.

[0034] Upper section 110 and lower section 120 cooperate to provide aconvenient work environment for a computer user. Interior structures ofsections 110 and 120 provide storage for computer accessories andsupport for computer equipment. For example, interior structures may bearranged as shown in FIG. 2. Upper section 110 suitably includes coveredbookshelf 202, shelving 203, drawer unit 204, and an equipment supportsurface 210. Covered bookshelf 202 provides book shelf space suitablefor books relating to operation of a computer and its applicationprograms. Shelving 203 provides space suitable for incoming and outgoingpaperwork, notes, and work in progress. Drawer unit 204 provides coveredstorage space suitable for computer supplies and office tools. Interiorspace 208 is arranged to be occupied largely by equipment and/orperipherals of a computer system. A hole 206 is suitably included toprovide a passage for power cables and signal cables. Lid stop 760 isrigidly mounted to equipment support surface 210 and performs functionsas described with reference to FIG. 7. Upper section 110 may be omittedand lid stop 760 may be mounted to surface 125.

[0035] Upper section 110 and lower section 120 may be secured togetherfor equipment and personnel safety. Rigid attachment may be provided inany suitable manner, for example using fasteners 304, as shown in FIG.3. Rear panel 312 may include cable cutouts 310 and 314 for passage ofpower and signal cables and for ventilation.

[0036] Upper and lower sections 110 and 120, respectively, are suitablyconstructed of conventional materials using conventional techniquessuitable for home or office furniture.

[0037] The arrangement of internal structures of upper section 110 andlower section 120 as well as the arrangement of the elements ofworkstation pullout unit 260 are shown for convenient use by aright-handed person. For use by a left-handed person, suitable alternatelocations for the structures discussed above are used to permitconvenient use. The width of a computer armoire may be extended beyondthat shown in the figures so that an extension unit is provided on boththe left-hand and right-hand sides of tray 432. This arrangement isparticularly convenient for the ambidextrous person.

[0038] While the present invention has been described in terms ofpreferred embodiments and generally associated methods, it iscontemplated that alterations and permutations thereof will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specificationand study of the drawings. The present invention is not intended to bedefined by the above description of preferred exemplary embodiments.Rather, the present invention is defined variously by the issued claims.Each variation of the present invention is intended to be limited onlyby the recited limitations of its respective claim, and equivalentsthereof, without limitation by terms not present therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A workstation pullout unit comprising: (a) a traydimensioned and configured to support a computer keyboard; (b) a firstwriting surface adjacent the tray; and (c) a lid, movably mounted to thetray, the lid having a lowered position for covering the tray, and araised position.